Side pull Caliper Brake issues on Mercian Touring - advice

[Ardvark99]

I am trying to fit a Dia Compe 500 caliper brake onto my front fork. The problem is i seem to be trying to fit a "recessed nut" brake onto a fork but the hole is not large enough for the nut to be slid in. I managed to fit the rear brake as it has a nut that threads on entirely outside the brake bridge, while the front has a nut that fits into the fork crown (or brake bridge, when recessed nut type brakes are used there. The recessed mounting requires an enlarged rear hole opposite the brake caliper. I can now see that the brake bolts for recessed mounting are shorter.

Obviously i could drill the rear of my fork crown for the recessed nut - but i don't want to do this as its a nice old vintage Mercian touring frame. Other option is I find a longer brake bolt that's compatible with this brake - no idea if this is possible?

Or i just give up and find a brake that fits and sell what i have - which is a shame as they look great.

Any ideas??

Many thanks

Andy

 

[dutchie]

Ii had the same 'problem' with my Jan Janssen. I drilled up the hole at the rear of the front fork. In case of an other caliper with a larger bolt, it is always possible to use this with the help of a washer which cover up the bigger hole.

 

[Agency_Scum]

I have this all the time restoring golden oldies. Fortunately you've a good brake to play with. Get a pair of needle nosed pliers and unhook the springs, undo everything then take the bolt out and along to a D.I.Y. or metal fasteners' outlet ( they don't call them " nut and bolt shops " ) along with a packet of choccy Hobnobs ( it helps ) and ask for a longer one.

 

[Old Ned]

I have this all the time restoring golden oldies. Fortunately you've a good brake to play with. Get a pair of needle nosed pliers and unhook the springs, undo everything then take the bolt out and along to a D.I.Y. or metal fasteners' outlet ( they don't call them " nut and bolt shops " ) along with a packet of choccy Hobnobs ( it helps ) and ask for a longer one.

Are you sure? The centre bolt on a side-pull brake of any quality tends to be a specialised item with threads both ends and a built-in boss for the spring etc. You may well find that a Weinmann or other similar side-pull stirrup will have a compatible bolt. It doesn't have to be a 500, any depth will do.